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By stumps at Headingley, the hosts were 1-116, a lead of 296 after reaching 354 in their first innings and in a strong position to push for a sweep of the series.

England’s bowlers were again too good for a New Zealand side who at least improved on their second-innings 68 in the 170-run first Test loss at Lord’s.

Offspinner Graeme Swann took four of the eight wickets to fall in the second session as the New Zealand middle order succumbed after a solid opening stand of 55 between Peter Fulton (28) and Hamish Rutherford (27). Both fell to Steven Finn (3-36) just before lunch.

The last eight wickets fell in the space of 22 overs and it took last-wicket fireworks of 52 runs blasted off 27 balls between Neil Wagner (27) and Trent Boult (24 not out) to restore some respectability to the score.

Swann, who had tied the New Zealanders in knots during his nine overs, had his figures spoiled by Boult who struck him for three sixes, and ended with 4-42.

Ross Taylor (6) became Finn’s third victim before Swann bowled Dean Brownlie (2) and Martin Guptill (1) in each of his first two overs.

Kane Williamson (13) was trapped lbw by Swann before Brendon McCullum (20) and Tim Southee (19) put on 37 in 41 balls for the seventh wicket.